Steering Wheel Airbag Contact Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheel airbag apparatuses have a complex structure with multiple parts and increased weight due to separate wires and connectors, which complicates the connection of the horn and airbag system.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering wheel airbag apparatus design that integrates a moving contact module and elastic contact portion within a guide pipe, eliminating the need for separate negative wires by using a negatively charged wheel armature to support the elastic contact portion and connect the positive and negative electrodes, thereby reducing the number of parts and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wires and connectors are used to connect the horn and airbag system, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the number of parts increases and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positive electrode connection (moving contact module) and negative electrode connection (elastic contact portion) into a single integrated contact assembly within the steering wheel. This merging eliminates the need for separate wires and connectors, reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable electrical connections for both the horn and airbag systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel armature serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering wheel, acts as the negative electrode for the airbag system, and serves as the mounting structure for the contact modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing part count while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If separate wires and connectors are used to connect the horn and airbag system, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection functions into a single integrated contact assembly, eliminating redundant wires and connectors. This reduction in component count directly reduces the weight of the steering wheel assembly, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining reliable electrical connections for safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary wires and connectors from the traditional steering wheel design. By removing these redundant components and replacing them with an integrated contact system, the overall weight is reduced while the essential electrical connection reliability is preserved.
3Device complexity
If a simplified structure with fewer parts is used, then the number of parts is reduced and weight is reduced, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact system into distinct functional modules: the moving contact module with the moving guide and moving rod, and the elastic contact portion with the elastic panel. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, reducing overall connection complexity despite the simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements such as the movable contact module that can move along the guide pipe and the elastic contact portion that can deform elastically. These dynamic features simplify the connection design by allowing automatic alignment and contact establishment, reducing the complexity of precise positioning and connection assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, and eliminates the need for connectors, resulting in a lighter and more efficient steering wheel airbag system that effectively operates the horn without additional wiring.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member of which both sides are supported by the moving guide and the mounting plate, and which applies an elastic force to the moving guide in the direction where the moving guide is isolated from the elastic contact portion
Implementation Method 2
a moving contact module movably installed in the guide pipe, pressurized and moved by the cover
Implementation Method 3
guide pin portions extended in parallel to the moving rod in the cylindrical body portion... bent toward the center when the cylindrical body portion is inserted into the guide pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel airbag apparatus may include: a mounting plate seated on a wheel armature, and having a guide pipe formed therein; a cover coupled to the mounting plate; a moving contact module movably installed in the guide pipe, pressurized and moved by the cover, and connected to a positive electrode; and an elastic contact portion coupled to the guide pipe, connected to a negative electrode while supported by the negatively charged wheel armature, and connected to the moving contact module as the moving contact module is moved.